A Savoury Soul -- Holly Sugrue // Videos by Holly

Friends! I'm so excited about today's Savoury Soul for many reasons but my real excitement  stems from my new interest in being in front of the camera and producing video for you all and this gem is the soul to help you understand exactly how to do so and do so well!

With years of experience  as a Cinematographer, Producer and Editor, Holly from Videos by Holly seriously knows how to produce an incredible video and I really want you to get to know her better because if you are wanting to dip your toes in the world of video blogs or creating video programs or whatever it may be, Holly is an incredible resource to learn how.

Without further ado, please meet Holly:

Tell us a little bit more about what you do. What is your mission?

I teach online entrepreneurs the skills they need to create videos they love on their own and empower them to go from, confused to confident on their video journey.

My mission is to pass along my knowledge to as many people as possible so they can create videos that inspire, form connections and share what they know with their audiences. I tell people just because you are doing it alone; it doesn’t mean you’re alone. Let me be the training wheels on your bike and help you until you are riding off into the sunset poppin’ wheelies. woo hoo!

What do you love most about your job? What intrigues you by it?

I love everything about my job. The thought of calling it a “job” is actually funny to me. I would do this for free. I love being challenged and with Videos by Holly I am constantly challenging myself to reach higher and further and aspiring to do more. I love the creativity that runs through every aspect of my business.  I love helping other people gain clarity when it comes to using video in their businesses and showing them just how fun it can be. I just love it all.

I am sure there are others, like me, who want to add video to their blog/website and are terrified of the process. What advice can you give them?

There’s a great quote that inspires me, and it says, “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” Everyone starts with their first video, and I can almost guarantee you that no one looks back on their first videos and says, "That was great, no need to improve anything."

Putting yourself out there can be a little scary, believe me I know. I started my video journey behind the camera. I’ve been working in NYC as a cinematographer since 2008, and in theory I knew it all. What I’m supposed to say and how I am supposed to talk, stuff about the equipment and the whole production process, but I am a real person with all of my own fears and insecurities. I learned how to push past all of that by just putting myself back in front of the camera and practicing. I created a 5 step review process and each time I would record myself I would watch it back and figure out what I was doing right and where I needed to improve. Over time,  it became easier and easier. The key here is not to be so hard on yourself. We are our own worst critics after all.

Check out Holly's video on how to overcome your fear of being on the camera here. 

What do you do to stay healthy? Any routines or rituals that help you set up for your day?

I like to run. I try to get a good run in about 3 times a week, more if I can. I am currently training for my annual mud run. This will be my 4th year participating in this type of run. I am currently counting the days down, 22 more days. Other then that I focus on making sure I eat healthy. My philosophy on staying healthy is every little bit counts. So if I can take the stairs instead of the elevator, I’ll do it. If I can eat an apple or an apple pie. I pick the apple. Every little bit counts.

Tell us something about yourself that people would be surprised by.

I typically only wear makeup when I’m shooting my videos. I don’t normally walk around with full makeup, eyelashes and done up hair. Most of the time I'm home alone, working in my PJ’s with no makeup on or in workout gear, sweating all over myself running down the street.

In your words, what is a Savoury Soul?

A soul that tastes good. No seriously, a savory soul to me is someone who takes great care of the things in life that truly matter. The things in life that build your character and align you with your true purpose.

Holly is your go to video gal. She has been described by those who know her as ambitious, detail oriented, organized, uncompromising and focused. She is innovative, driven, caring and kind. Holly is truly passionate about her craft and focuses on adding value through better execution.

She has worked with the Sundance Channel, Sony Music, Nick.com, HBO, Bono, Big Time Rush, Forest Whitaker and many others. Now Holly is taking her years of production experience and bringing them to you in bite sized, easily digestible chunks.

She will give you a place to start, help you figure out what kind of videos to make, take you from looking like Oh No to Super Pro, plus offer affordable solutions.